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We were researching some longer trips and heard about the National Park to Park Highway covering numerous National Parks in about 13 states...around 5-6000 miles. Has anyone done it, what time of the year did you start and where. Sounds fantastic if you're ok with the miles. Appreciate any info./Patrick
We did some of it last year beginning late August.We began the “park part” of the trip in Badlands NP ending up near the Grand Canyon on our way into the western Phoenix area.Going through Yellowstone, for the most part, you sort of come down the spine of the Rockies; more or less.
Devils Tower has a really nice boondocking campground.Nice and dark; enjoy the stars.Obviously the Grand Teton’s.We really enjoyed boondocking in Arches which was one of the highlights of the trip for us. Make reservations and use the satellite pix to make sure you get a site suitable for your rig. Don’t just “show up” and expect to get into the campground where there is no E,W, or S.From Moab we did a short run down to Mesa Verde and back tracked up the same road.Well worth it.
Canyon Land’s, Zion and Bryce Canyon – Bryce especially is just breath taking. Be sure to get into the park in the morning for the best pictures and sun IMO. Note that you can’t take a big rig into Zion from the NE on US-89 and get to the “big” campgrounds.You have to use the State Route 9 entrance from the SW.Tunnel clearances are very tight from the NE entrance and they have specific limitations.Check the website for Zion or search for Howard’s post on their trip into Zion.
Our basic route from Yellowstone was US-191 down into Moab. Then back up US-191 to I-70 – west across to US-89 which took us into Bryce Canyon NP.Then back track US-89 to hop over to I-15 south and off and over to Zion via State Route 9 and the SW entrance.The Zion campgrounds are right at this entrance to the park.
Again, due to rig size, we had to go back SR-9 to the west and then State Route 59 back east which brought us back to again join up with US-89.From there US-89 will take you to the Grand Canyon, east side, via Lake Powell.Nice place to stop as well.
US-191 has some “interesting” grades and US-89 does as well.These are mountain roads. But we had zero issues with our rig on the complete route which for us was a bit over 6,000 towing miles, of which about 3,000 were from the Badlands to the Phoenix area.But I would check the Western Mountain Directory so you are comfortable and know what’s next.
That was our trip over about 2 months. Others I am sure will have additional suggestions.
Thank you so much for your input. We'll be pulling a 39 ft DRV Elite with our GMC dually. Right now the big issue is Alaska next summer or the Natl Park to Park. I'm game either way but as the rig will be less than a year old, I'm thinking staying in the lower 48 until we shake out the bugs might be best..Would you mind if I contacted you next year to discuss a few more details if we choose the Natl? Patrick/Linda
Sure, feel free.Glad to provide any info we have including maps.We’ve also done Alaska and will be doing that again next year as it now stands. We’re really looking forward to it again.
As to taking a “new rig” to Alaska, I guess it depends on just how new and whether your experiencing a lot of early issues prior to the trip. "It depends." It will get dirty from some construction. But then you wash it.But the roads are really just fine.Not I-95 down to Ft. Lauderdale, but except for about 60 miles just outside the Alaska boarder, not a really big deal at all.Just slow down and enjoy the experience. The truck will be no issue whatsoever and do great.Lots of places to care for the Chevy but I doubt you will need them.Change the oil in Dawson Creek at the dealer there and you should be good for the trip back until maybe Prince George, BC. That was our experience - twice. Have all those locations as well should you be interested.
We can also offer some suggestions as to “spare parts” for the Alaska trip.Nothing that special, just good to have things you should probably carry regardless just for convenience - at least IMO.
Always great fun to plan and think about.But if you’re going to Alaska next year, now is the time to begin the planning.Not in April for your first trip - again, IMO.
Glad to help.
B & L
On edit: Hey, I see you will be at the RV-Dreams Spring Rally in 2014. You will enjoy it very much.
We can chat there about these trips there if you like.But feel free to ask questions before if they come up.
Bill
-- Edited by Bill and Linda on Tuesday 24th of September 2013 07:01:12 PM
Thank you so much for your input. We'll be pulling a 39 ft DRV Elite with our GMC dually. Right now the big issue is Alaska next summer or the Natl Park to Park. I'm game either way but as the rig will be less than a year old, I'm thinking staying in the lower 48 until we shake out the bugs might be best..Would you mind if I contacted you next year to discuss a few more details if we choose the Natl? Patrick/Linda
Again, thanks and we'll look forward to meeting you in April. Hopefully by then we'll be more comfortable with the trailer and ready for the long trips. Patrick/Linda
